VW to install EV charging network at UK Tesco stores

First publishedon www.ITSInternational.com

Volkswagen (VW) says it will install more than 2,400 free electric vehicle (EV) chargers at 600 Tesco stores in the UK by 2020.

The chargers, provided by public charging network operator Pod Point, will allow customers to use a 7kW charger and pay for a 50kW rapid charge at a cost which the company says is in line with ‘the market rate’.

The chargers will be implemented at Tesco Superstores and Extra stores.

Jason Tarry, Tesco CEO, says the deployment is part of a wider commitment to address environmental challenges. “We want to be the leading EV energy provider and to support our customers with more sustainable solutions. Our EV network provides a sustainable choice for our customers, and charging while they shop is another little help to make their lives easier,” Tarry adds.

Erik Fairbairn, CEO of Pod Point, says the deal represents a 14% increase in the number of public charge bays in the UK.

Tesco is one of 16 public and private fleet operators which are to invest £40 million to deploy 2,400 electric vans by 2020.